Flight training in Lincolnton, North Carolina

Learn to fly with Rachel.

Discovery flights, private-pilot training, instrument instruction, flight reviews and checkride preparation with Rachel McFarland, CFI/CFII, at Lincoln County Regional Airport.

Request Your First Lesson Email Rachel

New students begin with a brief intake review. No automated booking and no obligation.

CFI Flight Instructor CFII Instrument Instructor KIPJ Lincoln County Regional

Rachel McFarland standing in front of an airplane on the ramp

Rachel McFarland Commercial Pilot · CFI/CFII

YOUR NEXT STEP A practical plan built around your goal. Start with an introductory lesson or continue toward your next certificate, rating or proficiency milestone.

One-on-onePersonalized instruction

Beginner friendlyStart with no experience

Flexible pathsSchool or independent options

LocalTraining at KIPJ

Training options

Start where you are. Train for where you want to go.

Rachel works with first-time flyers, active students and certificated pilots who want clear instruction, practical feedback and a realistic path to the next milestone.

Discovery Flight

Take the pilot’s seat, learn the basic controls and experience a real introductory lesson before committing to a full training program.

Request a discovery flight

Private Pilot Training

Develop aircraft control, navigation, weather knowledge, aeronautical decision-making and the proficiency required for the private-pilot practical test.

Build a private-pilot plan

Instrument Training

Build precision, procedural discipline and sound judgment for instrument flying, proficiency and instrument-rating preparation.

Discuss instrument training

Reviews & Checkride Prep

Focused support for flight reviews, IPCs, checkride preparation or a structured return to flying after time away.

Get current and confident

Choose the right arrangement

More than one way to train.

Rachel can help identify the most practical arrangement based on your experience, aircraft needs, schedule and training objective.

Established flight-school environment

Training through Premier Air

Train with Rachel through Premier Air at Lincoln County Regional Airport, with school aircraft, scheduling and operating policies coordinated through the school.

Good fit for new private-pilot students
School-managed aircraft availability
Clear connection to local airport resources

Ask about Premier Air training

Flexible when available

Independent instruction with Rachel

Independent instruction may be available using approved rental aircraft or an appropriately equipped student-owned aircraft.

Subject to aircraft availability and rental approval
Insurance and operating requirements must be satisfied
Final arrangement and pricing confirmed before scheduling

Ask about independent instruction

For aircraft owners

Instruction in your aircraft

Rachel may be able to provide instruction in a student-owned aircraft after reviewing the aircraft, documentation, insurance and training objective.

Aircraft and records reviewed before acceptance
Insurance requirements confirmed in advance
Training plan tailored to the aircraft and mission

Discuss your aircraft

Current rates are confirmed before booking. Aircraft rental, instructor time and other charges may be separate and can change based on aircraft, availability and training arrangement. Rachel will provide a current estimate before the first paid lesson.

Discovery flights and gifts

A low-pressure way to see whether flying is for you.

A discovery flight is a real introductory lesson—not just a sightseeing ride. Rachel will explain the airplane, review the controls and give you an opportunity to experience flight instruction firsthand.

Introductory lessons may also make a memorable gift. Availability, passenger limitations and pricing are confirmed before purchase or scheduling.

Request a Discovery Flight

Fly With Rachel pilot gear

Celebrate every aviation milestone.

Browse shirts, mugs and gifts created for discovery flights, first solos, checkride passes and pilots who would rather be flying.

First Flight First Solo Checkride Passed Pilot Gear

Shop Fly With Rachel Gear Merchandise orders are fulfilled through the Fly With Rachel Printify store and are separate from flight-training purchases.

Why train with Rachel

Professional instruction without an intimidating atmosphere.

Patient, clear instruction

Ask questions, understand the “why,” and work through each skill at a productive pace.

Private and instrument experience

Work with a CFI/CFII who can support early training, instrument goals and continuing proficiency.

Practical feedback

Leave each lesson knowing what went well, what needs work and what to prepare next.

Flexible training paths

Explore training through Premier Air, independent instruction when available or instruction in an approved personal aircraft.

Safety-first judgment

Develop habits and decision-making that matter beyond the practical test.

Local at KIPJ

Train at Lincoln County Regional Airport with convenient access from Lincoln County, Lake Norman and the Charlotte region.

New-student process

A safer, more thoughtful way to start.

Rachel reviews each new-student request before scheduling. This protects instructor and student, helps confirm that the proposed training is appropriate and prevents rushed or mismatched bookings.

1
Complete the intake
Provide your legal name, contact information, experience and training goals.
2
Rachel reviews the request
Rachel may verify identity and review relevant publicly available information for safety and scheduling purposes.
3
Brief introductory conversation
Discuss expectations, experience, aircraft availability and the best training arrangement.
4
Confirm identity and schedule
New students may be asked to present government-issued photo identification before the first flight. A lesson is not booked until Rachel confirms it.

Safety and conduct policy

Rachel may decline, postpone or discontinue training when identity, conduct, safety, aircraft, insurance or operational concerns cannot be satisfactorily resolved. Screening is applied for legitimate safety and business purposes.

Photo highlights

A closer look at Rachel on the ramp and in the cockpit.

These images help new students get a feel for Rachel’s flying environment, personality and the kind of welcoming first experience they can expect.

Rachel McFarland seated at the open cabin door of an airplane — **Preflight personality**Aviation should feel exciting, not intimidating.

Rachel McFarland seated at an airplane door during golden-hour light — **First impressions matter**Make your first lesson memorable.

Rachel McFarland in the cockpit wearing a headset — **In the cockpit**Learn from an active pilot who loves the airplane as much as the outcome.

Rachel McFarland flying from the cockpit during sunset — **In the air**Real flying, real instruction and a stunning view along the way.

Rachel McFarland sitting on the wing of an airplane

FAA CFI / CFII Commercial pilot and flight instructor

Meet your instructor

Hi, I’m Rachel McFarland.

I’m a commercial pilot, Certified Flight Instructor and Instrument Instructor based at Lincoln County Regional Airport.

Flight training works best when expectations are clear and each lesson has a purpose. My goal is to help you understand not only what to do in the airplane, but why you are doing it—so your skills and decision-making continue to improve between lessons.

Patient instructionQuestions are welcome, and lessons move at a useful pace.

Practical confidenceBuild skills that transfer to real-world flying.

Clear feedbackKnow what is working, what to improve and what comes next.

Request Training Instagram

Common questions

Before your first lesson

The intake form is the best way to introduce yourself and receive a current answer about availability, aircraft and pricing.

Do I need any flying experience?

No. Discovery flights and introductory lessons are designed for beginners. Rachel will explain the airplane, basic controls and what to expect before takeoff.

Where does training take place?

Rachel is based at Lincoln County Regional Airport (KIPJ) in Lincolnton, North Carolina. The exact arrangement depends on whether training is conducted through Premier Air, independently using an approved rental aircraft or in a student-owned aircraft.

Can I train directly with Rachel?

Independent instruction may be available, subject to Rachel’s schedule, aircraft availability, rental authorization, insurance and operating requirements. Submit the intake and select the arrangement you are interested in.

How much does flight training cost?

Aircraft rental, instructor time and other charges vary by aircraft and training arrangement. Rachel will confirm the current rates and provide an estimate before the first paid lesson.

Why is there a new-student intake?

The intake helps Rachel understand your experience and goals, verify basic identity information and determine whether the proposed lesson is an appropriate fit before scheduling.

Can I give an introductory lesson as a gift?

Yes, depending on availability and participant considerations. Submit an intake with “Discovery flight / first lesson” selected and explain that the request is for a gift.

Prospective-student intake

Tell Rachel who you are and what you want to accomplish.

This form is a request for consideration—not an automatic booking. Rachel reviews each submission before offering a lesson or introductory call.

Phone704-240-1587 Business emaillessons@flywithrachel.com Training baseLincoln County Regional Airport

How intake information is used

Rachel uses the information to evaluate and respond to training requests, verify identity, address safety concerns and plan appropriate instruction. It is not sold or used for unrelated marketing.

Step 1 of 1 New-student intake

Required fields are marked with an asterisk. Allow approximately 4–6 minutes.

Identity and contact Full legal name *

Email * Phone *

City * State *

Age category * Participating parent or guardian Public profile link Optional A public LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram profile can help Rachel verify identity before scheduling.

Reference or emergency contact Optional now Reference/emergency phone Optional now

Training goals and experience Primary goal * Preferred training arrangement * Current flight experience * Certificates, ratings or approximate flight time Optional Prior flight school or instructor Optional General availability Optional How did you find Rachel? * Tell Rachel about yourself and your goals *

Acknowledgments I authorize Rachel to verify the information provided and review relevant publicly available information solely for identity, safety and scheduling purposes. * I understand that submitting this form does not create an instructor-student relationship or confirm a lesson. All training is subject to Rachel’s approval, aircraft availability and applicable operating requirements. * I authorize Rachel to respond to this inquiry by email. *

For privacy, do not submit a Social Security number, driver-license number, pilot-certificate number, medical information or payment information through this form.

Privacy and screening notice

Information submitted through this website is used to evaluate prospective-student inquiries, communicate about potential instruction, verify identity and address legitimate safety or operational concerns. It is not sold. Rachel may retain inquiry records as reasonably necessary for business, safety and legal purposes. A formal third-party consumer background report, if ever considered, would require a separate legally compliant process and authorization.